Page 96 of Axton
Finally, I heard the beep of the door being unlocked and I stood as Michael opened it. Magnus was standing behind him. I ran to Michael and threw my arms around him.
“Hey now, I’m fine. I told you it was over, and I was just addressing your father’s followers.” He hugged me back, but it felt like he was taking me in, and I melted into him.
“I missed you.” I shut my eyes and took in his scent. I still worried for him, but I also felt safer in his arms.
“We need to wake your brother up. Him and Baros are going to room with Magnus, and Baros is giving my mom and sister his apartment so we can be alone.” He kissed the top of my head.
“Okay, I’ll help you.”
I let go of him and got Koty up while he went to the bedroom and woke his mom and sister up. I gave Magnus and Baros a hug and thanked them for everything they did to help us.
Once in the bedroom, I bit my bottom lip as I watched him undress to get ready for bed. My eyes took in every tattoo, every muscle and that adorable face of his.
“Keep looking at me that way and neither one of us are going to get any sleep.” He threw his t-shirt at me. “Pajamas.”
I stood and watched him as I threw off my shirt. Yes, I was once again trying to tempt him. His bottom lip went between his teeth as he watched me. Slowly, I took off my jeans and he looked up at the ceiling.
“Jesus give me strength.” He prayed.
I reached behind me and unclasped my bra then let it fall to the floor. His eyes took in my body as I stood in only my white lace panties. He ran his hand down his face as I tried to tempt him. “We have got to get some sleep, but damn, Belle.” I watched his face fall when I picked up his shirt and threw it on.
We curled up in bed and he held me tightly. “Your brothers were arrested, but I’m sure they won’t be held long, at least for now. The other men were taken into custody by various other government agencies.”
“Did anyone get hurt?” I asked.
“None of the men from your community were hurt, but the other men were very bad men, evil to be honest, and there were casualties. Our men had a few injuries, but nothing serious. Also, they didn’t just strike us because of you. We’ve had our run ins with various groups, and we are allies with their enemies. They simply didn’t realize they were storming into a fortress and had no chance.”
“How many of my brothers were with those people?” I asked.
He kissed my head. “Twelve, but we have photos for you and Koty to identify all of them. They gave us their names on paper, but we’d like the two of you to see who was all involved.”
I lifted my head and stretched my neck to peck him on the lips. “Anything else I should know? Any news about Morgan?”
“Creed is with her in their apartment. They’re saying she’s not exactly in active labor yet, but it is happening. It could be as early as a few hours from now or could even be tomorrow or later. I don’t know much about childbirth and I’m more than fine with that for now.”
“What else?”
“They did confirm your father’s death although you are aware since we were able to get a copy of the death certificate.” He sighed. “Belle, we haven’t found Jeremiah yet, but he has your mother and Koty’s. Your brother Paul said he was treating them well, but he separated from the group with them saying he needed to keep them safe.”
My heart pounded against my chest. “Why does he have them?”
“My best guess is as bargaining tools. I will get them and bring them here safely, I promise.”
I was so scared for my mama. Tears breached my eyes. “When?”
“Soon.” He kissed my head. “Your brother, John Henry, was a part of everything with Jeremiah. The other members endorsed Paul as the elder over you. He will not recognize our marriage if it’s not spiritual.”
“But the will doesn’t mention a spiritual wedding. You can still get the inheritance and help my community.” I was still more upset about mama than anything else.
“But I can’t help that community if they don’t trust me. I need Paul and the others to help bridge some sort of relationship with them so I can get their trust. They won’t trust you or Koty either because they think Koty kidnapped you and would probably think I brainwashed you.”
“Did Paul agree to give you his blessing?” I asked.
“He has to face the county judge because he did break the law, but he would like to meet with Koty when he’s released. I do not want Koty outside of these gates for any reason, so he will have to meet with him here.”
“Did he give any hints that he would help?” I was anxious, I wanted my mama and Koty’s to be safe, but I also wanted my community to be safe.
“He said if he agreed, it would have to be witnessed by the church.” He ran his fingers up and down my back very lightly. “I told him it would not happen on any religious cult’s land.”
